Optimization for part and systems design in today's mechanical CAD applications relieves designers from the burden of examining multiple iterations of a part to achieve a desired specification and to perform systems-level problem solving.More>>

The latest crop of FEA (finite-element analysis) tools breaks new ground with MCAD applications. No longer the cryptic, lumbering, budget-busting software of the 1980s, FEA now offers ease of use, tight integration, and a host of simulation and automation features. No, this is definitely not your...More>>

This month we focus on PDM (product data management) and how it helps you manage the design data explosion that's occurring in your engineering departments. I'm sure you've noticed that every viable MCAD offering today either has an add-on PDM application or provides one with the base package.More>>

Welcome to my updated column, Modeling Methods. Each month I'll dig deeper into the methods that today's mechanical CAD applications use to help product designers be more creative and productive in what they do best.More>>